Hormones

Poppy seeds are culinarily versatile and surprisingly nutritious. But since they come from the same plant that produces opioids, should you take any precautions about adding them to your diet? Is it possible to eat too many? And should you avoid them if you have to take drug tests? Discover how to incorporate poppy seeds into your cooking in safe and creative ways.

This article explores eight essential minerals crucial for maintaining good health, detailing their roles in the body and the potential risks of deficiencies. It also provides practical advice on incorporating these vital nutrients into your diet through everyday foods and supplements.

Ever wondered why your hair changes as you get older? From graying to thinning, our hair goes through significant transformations with age. But what triggers these changes, and how can we nurture our hair to keep it looking its best? In this article, we uncover the hair growth cycle, the main causes of hair loss, and effective strategies to maintain healthy hair through the years.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares your body for sleep and confers many other health benefits. But melatonin levels can decrease as we age, and our modern lifestyles and schedules can interfere with melatonin production. So is supplementation safe and effective? Can we get it from food? And are there other things we can do to keep our melatonin at optimal levels?

GABA is a neurotransmitter that tells your brain and nervous system to calm down. It’s a crucial chemical for health and well-being because of its ability to counter the “fight-or-flight” neurotransmitters that cause us to act to avoid danger. But not everyone has adequate supplies. Do you have enough GABA in your body to keep anxiety at bay? What are some strategies to achieve optimal GABA levels to protect your health and mood?

Organic fruits and vegetables cost more than conventional ones — sometimes a lot more. But if you want to avoid pesticide exposure, is it always necessary to choose organic? Or are some conventional fruits and veggies less contaminated? In this article, we go in-depth into the Environmental Working Group’s US-based report on the twelve dirtiest and fifteen “cleanest” produce items of 2024, to help you make smart decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful pesticides.

Embarking on the journey through menopause and perimenopause can often feel like navigating uncharted waters, with many women feeling unprepared for the physical and emotional shifts that accompany these totally normal life stages. Despite its universal nature, there's a startling lack of comprehensive education on menopause, even within the medical community. Fortunately, one of the keys to a smoother transition may lie in our diet and lifestyle choices. Discover how certain foods can naturally boost estrogen and progesterone levels, helping to balance hormones and alleviate symptoms during this significant life transition.

Iodine is one of those “Goldilocks” nutrients that can be problematic if you don’t get enough or if you get too much. And if you don’t eat animal products, there are only a few reliable sources. So should you supplement? Should you consume iodized salt? Read on to get the facts about iodine: why it’s critical to your health, and how to ensure your consumption is “just right.”

The word “antioxidant” is thrown around a lot in the health and wellness space. But what does it really mean? Why are antioxidants good for you? Are there any you should avoid? And which foods and beverages pack the most beneficial antioxidant punch?

Selenium, once thought to be poisonous, is now recognized as an essential nutrient. It plays a key role in many aspects of your health, including metabolism, immunity, and protection against various diseases. But can you get too much of this nutrient? What are the best food sources of selenium, and can you get enough from a plant-based diet?

CBD is now widely available in a variety of products, especially in the wellness community. This article delves into its documented health benefits and looks at the pros and cons of various types as well as the different ways it can be consumed. Whether you're a newcomer to CBD or seeking to enhance your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about integrating CBD into your health and wellness routine.

Goitrogens are compounds found in certain foods that can interfere with iodine absorption and affect thyroid function. Some health influencers argue that foods containing goitrogens are harmful and should be avoided. However, many of the foods that are highest in goitrogens also offer important health benefits. So should you avoid goitrogens, or enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet? And are there ways to reduce goitrogen levels in foods?